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Supporting transgender students


Transgender faculty and students face a variety of challenges in the world of education, and it is important for cisgender faculty to understand these issues and challenges. Cisgender faculty should work to educate themselves rather than relying on their transgender colleagues and students to teach them.

Seek education. The first step should be to seek out training and education from experts in transgender matters. Do not expect your transgender students or colleagues to educate you, take the initiative to seek out information for yourself.

This includes learning about the different experiences that transgender individuals face in the educational environment. These often include increased levels of harassment, assault, and discrimination based on gender identity, which may lead to higher dropout rates and increased levels of homelessness for trans individuals.

Create an inclusive and welcoming environment in the classroom. Do not assume that all of your students are cisgender. It is easy to use ice breakers and activities that seem educational, but create uncomfortable experiences for transgender students. For example, a professor may ask students to write down an aspect of their identity for which they feel marginalized, and then share this with the class. While a teacher may intend to create an inclusive and educational environment through this activity, it can actually make a transgender student uncomfortable if they feel pressured to disclose their identity. 

You can include statements on your syllabus about using the correct names and pronouns can demonstrate to your students that you are an ally and create a welcoming, inclusive environment. Be sure to follow through with this and actually use individual’s preferred pronouns.

Educate others. Once you have educated yourself, take the initiative to educate others. Invite transgender scholars and speakers to present to your colleagues and students. Create educational experiences for others and advocate for the rights and experiences of your transgender colleagues without being asked. Other ways to educate those around you include speaking up when a coworker misgenders someone, starting a conversation with someone making transphobic comments, and sharing what you have learned about transgender experiences with your peers.

To find out more steps to help support your transgender students, visit this article.



7/20/2018
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